Bette Davis for The Old Maid, Warner Brothers

Inscriptions

Verso: THE OLD MAID IS A LOVELY GIRL. Bette Davis plays on of the greatest roles in her distinguished career as Charlotte in THE OLD MAID, a Warner picture. Adapted from the Pulitzer prize play, the story carries two finely reared Southern girls from girlhood to middle age, limns the great tragedy of their lives-- the death of the man whom both girls love-- in such moving terms as the screen has seldom matched. Co-starring with Miss Davis is another luminary of the stage and screen, Miriam Hopkins, who plays Delia. With Stars Davis and Hopkins the studio has cast George Brent, as the man who captures both hearts, Jane Bryan (as Charlotte's illegitimate daughter who never learns of her parentage), Donald Crisp, as a kindly doctor-friend of the sisters and the too-seldom-seen Louise Fazenda as the faithful, all-wise family servitor. Most amazing feature of the picture: Bette's gradual transformation from the lovely belle you see here to the embittered, love hungry OLD MAID, who cannot claim her daughter.

Provenance

John Kobal Foundation Limited, London, England; sold to present collection, 2019.

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